Table 5

Correlations between self-reported impairment and the eight dimensions of the SF-36

Multiple sclerosis symptoms/ impairment	Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (r_s)
Multiple sclerosis symptoms/ impairment	Physical function	Physical role limitation	Bodily pain	General health	Vitality	Social function	Emotional role limitation	Mental health
All correlations are expected to be negative since scores in the instruments were in opposite directions.
*p<0.05
**p<0.01.
Balance/vertigo	−0.49**
Walking	−0.71**	−0.41**			−0.30*	−0.35**	−0.28*	−0.28*
Hand/finger
Sensory function		−0.39**	−0.42**		−0.34*	−0.31*	−0.44**	−0.38**
Spasticity	−0.52**
Coordination		−0.32*	−0.30*		−0.40**	−0.41**	−0.36**	−0.32*
Pain	−0.34*	−0.36**	−0.78**	−0.27*	−0.54**	−0.46**		−0.48**
Fatigue		−0.43**	−0.33*	−0.37**	−0.52**	−0.48**	−0.43**	−0.41**
Speech			−0.32*		−0.28*			−0.28*
Bladder function	−0.33*	−0.31*			−0.43**	−0.37**		−0.34*
Eyesight			−0.38**		−0.30*	−0.27*
Sexual function					−0.28*
Concentration/poor memory	−0.28*	−0.49**	−0.45**	−0.31*	−0.53**	−0.47**		−0.35**
Heat sensitivity
Paroxysmal